Sertoma Hearing Aid Recycling Program (SHARP)

Total Source for Hearing Loss and Access (TSHA)

PURPOSE

SHARP is a non-profit program funded by the Sertoma civic clubs. They accept donations of used hearing aids. These hearing aids are then recycled to provide hearing aids to qualified low-income people living in Oklahoma for a one-time fee.

FINANCIAL CRITERIA

ELIGIBILITY

Live in Oklahoma or reside in the four specific counties in Kansas, which are Montgomery, Labette, Wilson & Chautauqua;

have a hearing loss of at least 30 db in the better ear; and

low income.

AT SERVICES PROVIDED/COVERED

Advocacy/Other

Informational and Referral

AT DEVICES PROVIDED/COVERED

Aids for Hearing Impaired

APPLICATION PROCESS

Complete the application form available on the website, or contact TSHA. Application process is also available on the website.

Must be willing to document financial need with tax returns, check stubs, etc.

If currently residing in a nursing home, complete and return the Nursing Home Questionnaire.

Attach your $50 processing fee with your application or request a fee waiver, in writing, on application. (Fee will be returned in the event you are determined ineligible).

Attach a copy of a recent (within 6 months) hearing evaluation by an audiologist.

Take care of any medical problems indicated by the hearing evaluation.

PIECES OF THE PUZZLE

Make an appointment with an audiologist to receive a thorough hearing evaluation. A list of participating SHARP audiologists is available by contacting SHARP.

Many audiologists can file with Medicare to cover a portion of the testing cost.

The one-time $50 processing fee helps stretch the civic club funds as far as possible. However, Sertoma does not want the fee to prevent anyone who needs a hearing aid from applying. If the applicant cannot afford the fee, please note on the application “Please consider me for a fee waiver.” The Board will consider this request.

Wait for notice of approval by the SHARP Board. Since this is an all-volunteer board, it meets once a month. All applications received during the previous month will be considered at that time.

If an applicant is denied for any reason the $50 fee will be refunded.

Return the aid to SHARP if it is no longer being used. The program will be sure that someone else will benefit from the aid.